One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dinner that ticks all the right boxes—quick, hearty, impossibly cheesy, and blessedly easy to clean up—this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all bubbling together in a creamy cheddar embrace, and the best part is that the whole thing comes together in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just in need of some cozy comfort food, this one-dish wonder shines every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy recipe relies on just a handful of essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the party—flavor, color, creaminess, and heartiness. Grab these basic items and you’re only minutes away from a craveable, family-friendly meal.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to brown the chicken, giving tasty depth to the dish from the very start.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy, protein-packed bites in every forkful.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out its flavor as it cooks.
• Pepper: Just a little bit goes a long way to add warmth and balance out the creaminess.
• Uncooked Basmati or Long-Grain Rice: The base of the dish, bringing a satisfying, fluffy texture that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory depth; opt for full-salt for maximum taste, but low-sodium works too.
• Frozen Steamable Broccoli: A time saver that gives the final dish color, crunch, and nutrients—fresh broccoli works, too, if you prefer!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star for creamy, melty cheesiness in every bite—a little on the inside, a lot on top.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start with your trusty large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 4–6 minutes until the pieces are mostly white on the outside and just losing their pinkness in the center. This step locks in juiciness, so don’t rush it! Drain off any excess liquid from the pan, leaving just enough oil to keep things moist but not greasy.

Step 2: Add Rice and Broth

Next, sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything up to a gentle boil. As soon as you see those first bubbles, cover the skillet with a snug-fitting lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it all simmer away for about 15 minutes. The rice will soak up all that savory broth and become deliciously tender while melding with the chicken flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli Separately

While the magic is happening in your skillet, pop the bag of steamable broccoli into the microwave and cook according to the package directions. This is the best way to keep the broccoli vibrant and perfectly crisp-tender. If you’re using fresh broccoli instead, just steam it until fork-tender, chop if needed, and set aside.

Step 4: Stir in Broccoli and Cheese

When the rice has absorbed all the broth and is fully cooked—fluffy, never mushy!—it’s time to add in your cooked broccoli along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything gently so the cheese melts into the mixture, enveloping each grain of rice and every piece of chicken and broccoli in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Top with More Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then cover with the lid again for a couple of minutes. The heat will gently melt the cheese into a glorious gooey layer. Serve the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice immediately, while it’s bubbling hot and irresistibly melty.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Garnishes

This dish already shines with flavor, but a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top gives a pop of freshness and color. For a little zip, a twist of black pepper or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes amps it up nicely. If you’re feeling decadent, serve with an extra dusting of cheese right at the table.

Side Dishes

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice truly is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your plate, pair it with a crisp green salad, some oven-roasted veggies, or even warm garlic bread to help soak up every drop of cheesy sauce. It’s incredibly comforting next to sliced tomatoes drizzled with a touch of olive oil and sea salt, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Spoon your cheesy rice mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake for a fun, single-serve presentation. For a party platter, pile the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbling and golden. Or try serving it in individual bowls with colorful veggies on the side for a custom DIY dinner bar—always a hit for family nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, it’ll taste just as comforting and delicious as when freshly made.

Freezing

This recipe is the ultimate make-ahead meal! Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let the portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice on the stove over medium heat, splashing in a bit of chicken broth or water to revive the creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through—just cover loosely and stir halfway to ensure even melting. Add a little fresh cheese on top if you want it extra gooey!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can, but keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and give it another 15–20 minutes to fully cook.

Is fresh broccoli okay if I don’t have frozen?

Absolutely! Just steam or blanch your fresh broccoli until fork-tender, chop it as needed, and add it to the dish when directed. Aim for about 2 cups once cooked.

What other cheeses can I use?

Pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a blend of your favorite melty cheeses all work beautifully. Try a handful of parmesan for a nutty twist, or add extra sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes—just swap in plant-based chicken or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and follow the same steps. It’s still super hearty and totally satisfying.

Any tips for extra flavor?

For added depth, sauté some diced onion and garlic with the chicken. A sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a lovely kick, and a squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brightens everything up.

Final Thoughts

Give this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice a try and watch it earn a regular spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s everything you need in one skillet—comforting, nutritious, ridiculously easy, and absolutely bursting with cheesy, cozy goodness. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a quick and easy dinner recipe made with simple ingredients like chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one skillet for a delicious and comforting meal.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (1 cup each)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Rice:

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice OR long-grain rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Broccoli:

• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen steamable broccoli (about 2 cups chopped broccoli)

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper until no longer pink.
2. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice and chicken broth. Simmer until rice is cooked.
3. Prepare Broccoli: Cook broccoli separately as per package instructions.
4. Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup of cheese. Top with remaining cheese and cook until melted.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot!

Notes

• Rice: Basmati rice can be substituted with long-grain white rice.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen.
• Chicken: Adjust chicken quantity based on size.
• Broth: Use full salt chicken broth for best flavor.
• Tip: Customize with spices like chili powder or add onions and garlic for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1066mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 76mg